(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Wed 18 March 2026 19:10, UK

Dwight McNeil’s recent upturn in form has surprised many at Everton, with Tyrique George now a clear casualty.

David Moyes has backed McNeil publicly after his failed winter move to Nottingham Forest, but signs still suggested that George would be more important of the two.

The Chelsea youngster arrived at Hill Dickinson Stadium with a big reputation, but so far, he has had limited chances to impress Blues fans.

McNeil looked set to leave when Nottingham Forest made a deadline-day £20million approach, but the twist of fate looks to have had an unexpected impact on George’s prospects at Everton.

Tyrique George will not break into Everton first team at this rate

Everton have the option to buy George permanently this summer, as they managed to steal his signature despite a £22m bid coming in from West Ham.

It’s believed that the buy option the Toffees hold is in a similar region, but given that the Friedkin Group have already wasted their millions on wingers this season, it’s hard to see them doing the same next summer.

Especially since the recent form seen by McNeil.

As highlighted by Sofascore, McNeil has performed admirably in each of his last three league appearances, showing his mentality since the heartbreak of his failed winter move.

The winger has now made 20 appearances in all competitions for the Blues this season, and is ironically now becoming an even more important piece for Moyes ahead of the run-in.

But if McNeil, who wasn’t deemed good enough, is currently getting more of a look in than George, it says everything fans need to know about the latter potentially joining permanently in the summer.

What’s the latest on possible Jack Grealish transfer amid George chatter?

There’s a big chance that George was brought to Everton as someone who could have been possibly looked at in the event the Blues opt against signing Jack Grealish permanently.

Grealish is currently out injured with a broken foot, and George provided the Toffees with cover and food for thought at the end of the season.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton have an increased chance of signing Grealish from Manchester City for an even lower price due to his injury issue and the emergence of Antoine Semenyo.

Pep Guardiola’s side wants to sell the winger to get him off their wage books, with him currently earning an estimated £300,000 per week.

Time will tell, but George really does feel like a stop-gap signing with Grealish truly being who the Blues want.